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His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, has arrived in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to participate in the opening of the 29th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP29). This participation follows an official invitation extended to His Eminence by President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan during their meeting at Al-Azhar in Cairo in June of this year.

The Grand Imam is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech addressing Islam’s perspective on environmental conservation and the climate change crisis. His speech will explore how the voice of religion can be utilized to strengthen the role of religious leaders in raising awareness of this critical issue and finding solutions to this serious threat to life on Earth.

During his visit, the Grand Imam is also expected to meet with various officials, religious leaders, intellectuals, and cultural figures, aiming to unify perspectives and foster collaborative efforts to address global challenges, with a particular focus on climate issues and the ongoing conflicts affecting our world.

Last year, the Grand Imam, along with other prominent religious figures, co-signed the “Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate” prior to COP28 in the United Arab Emirates. He also participated virtually alongside His Holiness Pope Francis in launching the inaugural Faith Pavilion, which was organized by the Muslim Council of Elders.

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Prime Minister of Malaysia agree to establish a branch of the Muslim Council of Elders in Malaysia

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, welcomed His Excellency Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, for discussions on strengthening mutual cooperation.

During the meeting, the Grand Imam warmly emphasized the deep and unique ties between Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders, and Malaysia and commended Malaysia as a pioneering model of pluralism, diversity, and peaceful coexistence.

For his part, the Prime Minister of Malaysia highlighted the significance of the Grand Imam’s recent visit to Malaysia and its profound impact on the Malaysian people, who hold great respect for Al-Azhar and the Grand Imam. He also noted that the visit had led to several important projects and mentioned the significance of the Grand Imam’s lecture to the Malaysian public, which had been translated into Malay and distributed widely across mosques, educational institutions, libraries, and cultural centers.

The Prime Minister also conveyed the Malaysian government’s enthusiasm for establishing an office for the Muslim Council of Elders in Malaysia, stating that the coming period would see enhanced cooperation between Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders, and Southeast Asian nations.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Prime Minister of Malaysia presented the Grand Imam with a copy of the translated lecture delivered during his recent visit to Malaysia. In return, the Grand Imam gifted the Prime Minister a copy of the book “The Pope and Grand Imam: A Thorny Path” by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating in the opening of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22 which will be attended by world leaders, officials, and representatives from international organizations, following an official invitation from President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, arrived in Baku on Sunday morning, where he was welcomed at Heydar Aliyev International Airport by Matin Karimli, Chief of Staff of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Science and Education, along with other officials.

At COP29, the Muslim Council of Elders is organizing the second Faith Pavilion, building on the significant success of its first edition at COP28. The Pavilion features a global alliance of 97 organizations, representing 11 diverse religions and denominations, providing religious and ethical perspectives on climate action and will include over 40 discussion sessions focused on the integration of spirituality and ethics in advancing climate action.

Under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders has pioneered initiatives to enhance the role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges, including climate change. Last year, the Council hosted the Global Faith Leaders Summit for Climate in Abu Dhabi, culminating in the launch of the ‘Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Joint Statement for Climate’, which was co-signed by 30 religious leaders worldwide, including the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar as well as His Holiness Pope Francis. The Council also co-hosted the recent Global Religious Leaders Summit for Climate in Baku, furthering its mission to mobilize religious and ethical voices to devise effective climate solutions. The Council continues to impact through the Faith Pavilion at COP28 and COP29, underscoring the essential role of interfaith collaboration in addressing global environmental challenges.

Imam of Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi: The Muslim Council of Elders is making pioneering efforts to promote a culture of peaceful coexistence and highlight the compassionate image of Islam

Faculty Member at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Humanities: The values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence are firmly rooted in Quranic and Prophetic texts

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair held a seminar titled “Tolerance and Coexistence in Islamic Heritage: Foundations and Enduring Values.” The session featured Dr. Mahmoud Najah, Imam of the Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, and Dr. Mohand Mechenene, faculty member at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Humanities. The seminar underscored the importance of promoting values of tolerance, coexistence, and respect for diversity as core aspects of Islamic heritage, presenting illustrative examples from Islamic history.

Dr. Mahmoud Najah began by commending the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, for its commitment to advancing a culture of peaceful coexistence, fostering dialogue, and presenting a compassionate image of Islam. He emphasized that this culture reflects the essence of Islam, a religion rooted in mercy, tolerance, and justice. Dr. Najah pointed out that Islam is not just a religion of worship but a comprehensive way of life that nurtures human relationships based on mutual respect and goodwill across diverse societies.

He further noted that peaceful relations between Muslims and others are foundational, with Islam encouraging peace and coexistence through wisdom and thoughtful engagement.  He also explained that peaceful coexistence in Islam goes beyond merely accepting others; it involves actively building a unified society that thrives on diversity and described peaceful coexistence as a shared life among varied groups based on love, cooperation, and respect for different beliefs, ethnicities, and cultures, calling for a renewed emphasis on these values to address global challenges and create a stable, peaceful future for humanity.

Dr. Mohand Mechenene expressed deep appreciation for the significant work of the Muslim Council of Elders and affirmed that, under the leadership of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Council plays a central role in promoting peace and tolerance. Dr. Mechenene noted that the United Arab Emirates, where the Council is based, exemplifies peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among religions and cultures.

The professor at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Humanities further observed that Islamic civilization is rooted in the Quran, with tolerance and coexistence forming essential principles of Islamic jurisprudence. He cited the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a model of coexistence, known for his respectful interactions with non-Muslims and emphasized that tolerance in Islamic heritage extends beyond coexistence to include active collaboration and positive interaction, embodying an Islamic way of life.

This year marks the third time that the Muslim Council of Elders has participated in the Sharjah International Book Fair with over 220 publications on significant intellectual and cultural topics, the Council seeks to advance its mission of promoting peace, fostering dialogue and tolerance, and building cooperation among people of all backgrounds and beliefs. The pavilion, located in the Arabic section, Hall 6, Pavilion M8.

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders to Attend COP29 Climate Summit in Azerbaijan and Deliver an Address on Islam’s Perspective on Environmental Issues

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, will participate in the opening of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Grand Imam will attend the conference following an official invitation extended by His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, during his meeting with the Grand Imam at Al-Azhar headquarters in Cairo in June.

The Grand Imam is scheduled to deliver an address outlining Islam’s perspective on environmental preservation and the climate change crisis. His speech will explore ways to harness the influence of religious values and reinforce the role of religious leaders in raising awareness of this urgent issue and in promoting viable solutions to this critical threat to life on Earth.

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders is also expected to meet with several officials, religious figures, thinkers, and cultural leaders to unify perspectives and strengthen joint efforts in addressing global challenges, particularly climate issues, as well as the conflicts and crises afflicting the world today.

His Eminence has expressed a deep concern for the climate crisis, recognizing it as one of the most pressing global challenges, impacting millions worldwide—especially the impoverished and vulnerable, including refugees, the displaced, and those who have lost their homes and shelter.

Secretary-General of Muslim Council of Elders Meets with Chairman of Religious Board of Muslims of Russia to Discuss Launching Joint Programs and Initiatives to Prepare a Generation of Youth Capable of Carrying Forward Message of Moderation and Peace

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, met with His Eminence Shaykh Rawil Ğaynetdin, Chairman of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation, on the sidelines of their participation in the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan. The discussions focused on launching pioneering programs and initiatives aimed at promoting and establishing a culture of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, supporting Russian Muslims, advancing enlightened moderate thought, strengthening Islamic identity, and emphasizing the importance of uniting the voices of religious leaders in addressing contemporary challenges.

During the meeting, Judge Abdelsalam underscored the Muslim Council of Elders’ commitment to building bridges of communication with Muslims worldwide. He noted that the Muslim Council of Elders places considerable importance on Russian Muslims and is currently developing a comprehensive, collaborative plan with the Religious Board of Muslims of Russia. This plan includes launching several joint initiatives in the near future aimed at preparing a generation of young people capable of carrying forward the message of peace, moderation, and balance.

His Eminence Shaykh Rawil Ğaynetdin expressed that the Religious Board of Muslims of Russia is committed to fostering dialogue and collaborative efforts with active religious and international institutions to unify efforts in promoting a culture of tolerance and coexistence. He praised the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, for its work in establishing the values of dialogue and human fraternity, as well as in strengthening Islamic solidarity and unity across all components of the Muslim world. Shaykh Rawil Ğaynetdin also expressed his eagerness to enhance cooperation with the Council in various scholarly, religious, and cultural fields of mutual interest.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, emphasized the need to amplify the voice of religions in addressing the shared challenges facing humanity, noting that we are one human family living on a shared planet.

Speaking at the closing session and press conference of the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate, the Secretary-General highlighted the importance of religious voices in tackling the climate crisis to find effective solutions, in times of war and conflict to promote peace, and in addressing societal issues to encourage a more positive way of life. He pointed out that over 85% of the global population follows a religion, and religious leaders hold significant spiritual influence over millions of people worldwide.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam expressed his gratitude to His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan, for sponsoring the summit, reflecting Azerbaijan’s commitment to the role of religious voices in climate action. He also extended his thanks to His Virtue Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, the spiritual leader of Muslims in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus, for his efforts in ensuring the success of the summit.

The Global Summit of Religious Leaders concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan, organized by the Caucasus Muslims Board in cooperation with the Muslim Council of Elders, the COP29 Presidency, the United Nations Environment Programme, and Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations, under the patronage of His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev. The summit gathered 300 prominent global religious leaders, foreign government representatives, senior UN officials, heads of international organizations, scholars, and religious figures.

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Meets Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, Emphasizing the Importance of Religious Leaders in Advancing Climate Action

His Excellency Ali Asadov, Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, received Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, on Wednesday. The pair discussed ways to enhance the role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges, with climate change at the forefront.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan expressed his country’s appreciation for the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in promoting dialogue and uniting the voices of religious leaders to confront the climate crisis. He noted Azerbaijan’s participation in co-hosting the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate, which will be held in Baku, and in organizing the Faith Pavilion at COP29—a pioneering step to enhance interfaith dialogue on climate issues. He further highlighted that peaceful coexistence among people of diverse ethnicities, cultures, and religions is a way of life in Azerbaijan’s society, with multiculturalism and tolerance having become one of the main pillars of Azerbaijan’s modern state policy.

For his part, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders expressed his appreciation for the Republic of Azerbaijan’s hosting of the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate, which reflects a deep-seated belief in the importance of the religious voice in promoting joint efforts to address global challenges, particularly climate issues. He also extended his gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan for his support of the summit, praising Azerbaijan as a leading example of pluralism, tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and Islamic solidarity, as well as its proactive stance in combating climate change.

In its final statement, the Global Summit of Religious Leaders praises ‘The Call of Conscience: The Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement for Climate’ and confirms support for the Faith Pavilion at COP29

The Global Summit of Religious Leaders highlighted the critical need to enhance collaboration among political, social, and religious leaders to tackle environmental challenges and climate change and foster global dialogue

The Global Summit of Religious Leaders underscored the urgent necessity to uphold ethical and spiritual values, instilling respect and care for nature and all living beings, while promoting the sanctity and sacredness of the environment

Religious leaders reiterated their support for the decisive action plans set forth at COP28 to address the environmental crises and threats our world faces

Religious leaders emphasized the importance of establishing a permanent advisory council of religious leaders within the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Concluding in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Global Summit of Religious Leaders was co-organized by the Caucasus Muslims’ Board, the Muslim Council of Elders, the COP29 Presidency, the United Nations Environment Programme, and Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations. The summit, held under the patronage of His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, featured the participation of 300 prominent global religious leaders, foreign government representatives, senior UN officials, heads of international organizations, and religious scholars. 

The final statement of the summit praised the ‘Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together,’ signed by His Eminence Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi, on February 4, 2019. It noted the document’s significant role in advancing dialogue and cooperation across different religions and cultures and fostering values of coexistence, tolerance, and human fraternity. The faith leaders welcomed the ‘Call of Conscience: The Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement for Climate,’ signed at the COP28 Global Faith Leaders Summit in Abu Dhabi in 2023, which was organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and the COP28 Presidency. The final statement from the Global Summit of Religious Leaders, issued today, reiterated its support for the upcoming Faith Pavilion, to be organized by the Muslim Council of Elders at COP29 as a platform for dialogue among faith leaders to find effective solutions to climate issues.

Participants at the summit expressed deep concern about global climate change, biodiversity loss, desertification, drought, land degradation, wildfires, marine pollution, food security, water scarcity, devastating armed conflicts, and terrorism, as well as religious and ethnic violence. These crises lead to innocent casualties, environmental disasters, and the destruction of cultural and religious heritage. They also deplored the severe impacts of environmental genocide and the eradication of cities to combat climate change. 

Religious leaders urged COP29 to focus on the pressing need for spiritual reform and ethical enhancement of humanity by fostering respect and care for nature and all creatures, promoting the notion of environmental sanctity, and supporting the robust action plans adopted at COP28 to address the environmental crises and threats the world is facing. They expressed their eagerness to actively participate in implementing these strategies to alleviate the global climate crisis.

Religious leaders also called for increased collaborative efforts among political, social, and religious leaders to address environmental issues and climate change, making ethical and moral considerations central to global climate discussions at COP29. They expressed readiness to establish a permanent advisory council of religious leaders at the UNFCCC Secretariat to spearhead projects and initiatives centred on ethical and religious responsibilities toward the environment and its resources. They stressed the need to promote environmental awareness through religious discourse and bolster the ideological foundations for addressing climate issues, thus supporting global climate action initiatives.

In a related context, religious leaders extended a message of gratitude to His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev for his ongoing support of environmental and humanitarian initiatives, particularly for declaring 2024 the ‘Green World Solidarity Year.’ This initiative reflects Azerbaijan’s commitment to environmental protection and promoting humanitarian solidarity for a sustainable future. They commended Azerbaijan’s leadership in overcoming challenges, fostering peace and unity, promoting interfaith and cultural dialogue, and reinforcing the culture of human fraternity and values of peace and tolerance worldwide.

The participants concluded the summit by calling on states, international, regional, religious, and public organizations, as well as faith leaders, to galvanize global support for a more sustainable future. They emphasized the importance of recognizing the sanctity of human life and nature and advocated for an inclusive approach to combating climate change. This approach should particularly focus on engaging representatives from various religions and beliefs, policymakers, scientists, women, youth, indigenous populations, local communities, civil society, business sectors, and other stakeholders in supporting and implementing the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement. This includes preventing the global temperature from exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius, playing a dynamic role in implementing the global peace agenda, ending armed conflicts and extremist violence that hinder collective climate action efforts, and promoting youth education in equal citizenship and human fraternity. They further urged the protection and respect for religious, cultural, and ethnic diversity while promoting environmental practices based on the spiritual and ethical values of all religions.

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders has received His Excellency Alar Karis, President of the Republic of Estonia, to discuss ways to enhance mutual cooperation.

During the meeting, the Grand Imam emphasized that Islam’s message is to promote peace worldwide and that peace has become an elusive dream, with contemporary global events causing many to lose hope in its realization. However, His Eminence expressed optimism that hope can be revived through nations’ adherence to religious and moral values and investment in educating people about fraternity and equality.

He further remarked that today’s conflicts and wars are driven by escalating hatred and intolerance, urging the international community to assume its responsibilities by adopting a decisive stance to halt aggression in Gaza and Lebanon, protect innocent civilians, ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need, and support the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

President Karis, for his part, expressed his pleasure at meeting the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, commending his efforts in fostering and advancing the values of dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, peace, and human fraternity. He voiced his hope for an end to global conflicts to ensure the protection of innocent civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid where it is urgently needed.